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Get Pretty. Get Organized.

image © 2010 Professional Organizer Lea Schneider

Often, we think of getting organized as a process in which we get rid of stuff. That can be true.

Today, I want you to think of it in a new way. Get pretty. Get organized.

Ever walk into a home and think "How lovely." It doesn't have to be a mansion or a new, modern home. It could be a cabin at the river or a bungalow from the 1940's. It could be a small starter home or a four-bedroom ranch crawling with kids. But, no matter the abode, there is just something that is so welcoming. You'd like to kick off your shoes and curl up in a chair for awhile.

That desire to nest in the room is probably because it feels pretty, peaceful....and organized!

Flip the table on yourself. Instead of thinking that you will one day get organized and then make the room pretty, instead make it pretty first, pushing you into organization.

I've noticed that we all tend to respect beauty. A polished dining room table with an arrangement of flowers is likely to stay that way. A dining room table full of school papers, yesterday's mail and more is likely to attract more clutter.

A great place to start your campaign to get pretty and get organized is at your favorite chair. Tidy up the space. Get rid of old magazines and catalogs. Shop from your own house to find and add a pretty throw and pillows. Pull them out from under clutter in another spot. Grab some flowers from the grocery store or find a favorite home decor item that you've not seen in awhile. Light a candle.

Once you've created a warm, welcoming nest, where you'd really enjoy sitting, you'll find that the pretty aspect will keep you from plopping down more clutter on the table. You'll enjoy that spot so much that you'll be ready to tackle a new spot, like the foyer of your home or your bedside table.

Continue to let making things pretty drive you toward the home look and feel you want. You'll find it is fun to organize in this fashion. Making things pretty in your home will motivate you to get rid of the clutter. You'll soon be on your way to having the more organized space you've been wishing for.